I contacted Bernardine's Fine Art Jewelry via the email address on the website prior to ordering a custom made pendant, to inquire about delivery time. I was answered immediately by Nancy, the owner, who said the pendant could possible be made and shipped in time for Christmas (I ordered it on Dec.), but if not, the first week of January at the latest.
The second week of January, after hearing nothing at all regarding ship dates, delay in the order, etc., I began to try and contact Nancy again. I sent 4 emails and left the same number of voice messages on her answering machine over the course of 10 days. I finally contacted my credit card company and disputed the charges, explaining what happened, and received a temporary credit to my account, while they investigated the order.
The day after I canceled the order on my credit card, I received a call from Nancy, who stated she was terribly sorry, but had been ill with pneumonia and could not access her email or her phone messages. She said the pendant was almost complete, and would be shipped out in two days, if I would allow her to do so, and if I would reinstate the order. She promised me worst case it would ship the following Monday, and also promised to call if there was a problem.
The next week came, no email, no tracking number as she promised. I began calling and emailing again, being very nice and appropriate. I received no answer or reply again, and after multiple attempts to contact her yet again, have been forced to write a letter to my credit card and dispute the charges.
She knows if she can extend the period beyond 60 days, the credit card company will not back charge her, and she can keep the money.
In my opinion, especially after reading other reports about her on this website, the website is a scam, and potentially fraudulent. I will contact any agencies I can.
It was bad enough wondering about the $500 for the piece, but it was also a special gift for my wife on Christmas that never materialized, and basically ruined our Christmas. I hope there is some way to stop her from continuing to bilk people out of their money through the internet.
I'm aware of scam and such, but I have never had a company, supposedly reputable, on the internet, just take my money and attempt to rip me off. Especially not an old woman. Just goes to show that you must be leery of almost everyone on the net these days.
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